Australian Shepherd Molly Montana writes of her outdoor adventures with human, Kinsey Barnard. Kinsey takes the photos. They live in Montana and travel in their RV Clementine. Exploring is their favorite thing to do. Follow them and enjoy great stories, travel photos as well as travel & hiking tips particularly in Montana

13 April 2010

Osprey of Montana

Yesterday I saw my first osprey sitting on a nest, the spring cycle about to begin. In honor of the event I thought I'd post some photos taken in the past.

Osprey are found just about everywhere and northwest Montana is no exception. The osprey is actually found on all continents except Antarctica.

Osprey generally make their home near bodies of water and are fine fishermen. Unlike the bald eagle, which they can be mistaken for, they dine almost exclusively on fish. Those lovely eagles can often be seen dining on roadkill where they are not looking so regal.

The wingspan on these beauties can be as much as six feet and when they soar they are a site to see.

The Ospreys most endearing characteristic is that they mate for life.

In the fall, during the salmon run, osprey are pretty easy to find. The Tobacco River is just chock full of Kocanee Salmon and the osprey spend a lot of time cruising up and down it. It's very easy pickings for them. Kind of like shooting fish in a barrel.